Speck CandyShell case for iPhone 5.
Having used a number of iPhone cases over the years - from leather belt holsters to integrated battery packs (Mophie*) and everything in between - I knew the specific things I wanted in an iPhone case.
1) Full edge coverage - my last case left a lot of the front edge exposed.
2) Hard shell - mostly so the iPhone can slip easily into and out of my pants pockets. Ever try to pull a silicone encased iPhone out of your jeans pockets?
3) Easy button access - my last case had cut-outs for the buttons, so they ended up being recessed, making button manipulation difficult.
4) Shock absorption - ideal case would have some kind of impact absorbing material. Hard to find in a pure hardshell style case.
5) Relatively slim/lightweight - since I carry my iPhone in my pocket, I quickly ruled out the really chunky cases like the one from Otterbox.
So, I bought the Speck CandyShell on my last trip to the Apple Store. At $34.95, it's one of the pricier options, but the construction is definitely a notch above others I've owned.
Like a motorcycle helmet, the outer shell spreads point impact across a larger surface while the rubber interior cushions the blow.
Since the majority of the case is polycarbonate, it meets my criteria for easy access to/from my pants pockets. (Speck makes a variant of this case - CandyShell Grip - which adds more grippy material to the back). The raised rubber lip on the front doesn't get in the way too much. On the other hand, it does offer enough grip to keep my iPhone wedged above the sun visor in my car for those times I'm listening to podcasts on the road. On that note, the speaker is loud and clear through the perforated bottom edge.
The buttons stand proud of the case, just enough to make button actuation really easy without getting in the way. Great responsiveness, unlike some of the silicone cases I've used before.
I've only destroyed one iPhone from a drop - most accidents usually result in dinged up bezels. I think the iPhone will go largely unscathed through most typical drops/accidents. So far, this is looking like the best case I've every bought for an iPhone, at least for the qualities that are important to me.
*While convenient for adding significantly to your battery life, I don't think I'm going to buy integrated battery cases any longer. Their expensive and bulky, and as the phones physically change, I can't see myself buying new Mophie like cases every time I replace my phone. A separate battery pack is where I'm headed.